Members of ProGay and women’s rights group Gabriela rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on Tuesday, November 25, to denounce the alleged government inaction on violence against women. The rally was held just as the high court was on its second day of oral arguments on the constitutionality of the PHL-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Lawyer Harry Roque said the findings of authorities on the condoms found in the room where transgender Jennifer Laude was killed only bolsters the theory that the killing is a hate crime.
Roque said the findings only shows that Laude and suspect Joseph Scott Pemberton did not have sex.
“They did not have sex. [Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton] must have found out [Laude] is not a biological woman. It must have been the reason why he [allegedly] killed Jennifer,” he said.
He said the crime is no longer a simple crime but one that is laced with hate.
Last week, a lawyer of the Laude family revealed that the DNA samples taken by authorities in the two condoms found inside the room where Laude was killed did not match hers nor that of Pemberton.
Roque noted, however, that this is on the assumption that DNA samples were indeed taken from the suspect himself.
“If you were in my shoes, would you accept those results given that your witness was not present when this person claiming to be Pemberton gave his DNA samples,” he asked.
Until now, no one knows if Pemberton is indeed the same person currently detained at Camp Aguinaldo.
Roque earlier asked that their star witness Barbie be present when authorities take a buccal swab from Pemberton.
“I find it unacceptable that [Olongapo city chief fiscal Emilie Fe de los Santos] did not require Barbie to be present… Personal identity is not a matter that can be invoked as part of the right against self-incrimination,” he said.
He said the gathering of DNA samples is relevant. “DNA as a science is unimpeachable, but you can question the manner of collection, whether it has been contaminated.”(MNS)